COs share: 19 tips for surviving a corrections career

If you want to survive in this world, you have to know your vulnerabilities and you have to be willing to listen to others who have walked the walk before you

As most would tell you, corrections is not for everyone. It’s a career that will test your heart and push you to the limits. If you want to survive in this world, you have to know your vulnerabilities and you have to be willing to listen to others who have walked the walk before you.

Experience is key in this profession and can never be replaced with classroom knowledge. Below is a list of advice from senior staff that will help you survive your career in corrections.

Just Some Friendly Advice1. The best advice I was given when I started was to be firm, fair and consistent because at the end of the day the inmates are still human beings. I was also told not to change from day to day, be very consistent in who you are so the inmates know what you expect of them. — Jonathan Casteel

2. A grievance just means you're doing your job. — Paul Busch

3. Simple respect will make your job a lot easier. — Zack Robinson

4. The best advice....Do not argue with inmates....give them a directive and step....verify later....don't press them out in front of other inmates....Respect is the key. Also, When drama pops off on a block....watch out for baby oil sprayed on the floor. Listen more, talk less. And size means nothing. — Andre Andrews

5. To slow down and make sure I set the tone not the inmates. — Joe Mynaugh

6. 8 and skate! — Vee Surdo

7. Always say no. You can more easily turn a no into a yes but you cant turn a yes into a no. — Larry Davidson

9. A sergeant at my first institution told me that the only way to survive in corrections was to get to be very good at it. He said that if I became exceptionally proficient at it that I would enjoy it and if I enjoyed it the negative aspects would never seem to be a problem. — Russ Hamilton

10. Pay attention to your surroundings and what's going on because things can happen so damn fast. Also, don't let them see you sweat and don't act all cocky because you're asking for trouble. — Robert Snavely

11. Be honest with the inmates. — Virgil Starkey

12. I always tell my trainees, you cant get into trouble for shutting doors on a wing. — Robert N Renee Taylor

13. "Kid, if you ever become effective and competent in this business, it'll make a liar out of you. Find a way to tell the truth." — Wayne Sanderson

14. Never say anything at work (to an inmate or co-worker) you wouldn't say in front of your shift lieutenant. — Charlotte Headley

15. Show yourself friendly but Do Not be their friend! — Kat Williams

16. Be firm, fair, and consistent EVERYDAY. Run your unit, don't let it run you. — John Burn

17. Don't bring the job home and don't bring home to the job. — Andy Mancusi

18. Cover your ass! — Krista Jenkins

19. Take your time when writing a report. You never know who is going to be reading it. And leave your opinions (why) out of it. — Gary York

Never Ignore Those With Experience
As you can see, listed above is advice that can only come from years of experience. Where we are at today in corrections relates strongly to who we were yesterday. Those who have survived this profession have forged a path for future generations to follow. It is through their blood, sweat and tears that we are able to progress. Never ignore those who have walked the walk and earned their stay in this great profession. The lessons they can teach will be far greater than anything you could ever learn in a classroom.

About the author

For over 15 years, Anthony Gangi has worked in the correctional setting dealing with both male and female
offenders. He served on the custody level and has moved through the ranks from line officer to supervisor. With a background in Psychology, he has become a leading expert in inmate manipulation and, during his time as an instructor, he has had the chance to meet, on a national level, with other professionals in his field.

He is currently the host of Tier Talk which can be found at www.spreaker.com, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. Tier Talk now appears on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network every Thursday at 10:30am EST. Tier Talk is the only show on the air for corrections, by corrections, about corrections.

He is also the author of "Correctional Manipulation," which is available on Amazon, and has appeared on many major networks, including AC 360, Out Front with Erin Burnett, Politic Nation with Al Sharpton, Fox and Friends and LifeTime, promoting the field of corrections.

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